I fell in love with Mineral Point when I was on a school field trip in fifth grade. I couldn’t believe there was such a magical, historical place within driving distance of me. I felt like I had stumbled into another country and gone back in time, all at once. So one day I grew up and moved there.
It was kind of different in real life. By the time I moved there I had developed an affinity for organic, vegetarian take out food, being an anonymous face in a crowd who has a weedy yard, and wearing really cute shoes. Mineral Point is more about dusty boxes of Hamburger Helper, fastidious gardening, and Crocs. It was not exactly a mysterious, edgy wonderland. But Mineral Point will always hold a special place in my heart.
My favorite part of Mineral Point, the part that embodies the heart and soul I was sure I saw there as a child, is the Old City Cemetery. This place breaks my heart. Despite my letters to the town historical society, it continues to be neglected and abused. Southern cities like Savannah and Charleston preserve and respect their cemeteries, and realize what touristic draws they can be. I’m not sure why Mineral Point hasn’t done more about the Old City Cemetery. If they wait much longer, it will be too late.
Here are some photos of the Old City Cemetery, along with a few others that show off why I fell in love with Mineral Point.
©2009-2012 All photographs on this page by Holly Tierney-Bedord. All rights reserved.
Holly, Thank you for your coverage of the Old Mineral Point Cemetery. You may want to know the a couple of people have recently taken on the task of restoring the cemetery and giving it the respect it deserves. We hope you will revisit the cemetery and watch the progress. Sincerely, Dave Larson and Shan Thomas
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Shan,
Thank you for the update. I can’t tell you how excited I am to hear this, or how much I appreciate you taking a moment to share the news with me.
Holly
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Reblogged this on Holly Recommends… and commented:
I’ve got an update on the Mineral Point City Cemetery! A group of concerned locals are working to restore it. What great news! Here’s a link to the story: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/on-wisconsin-cemetery-restoration-in-mineral-point-takes-patience-persistence/article_b0cc19ca-493d-52bf-a74e-83ed9c202d8e.html
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